This question arose for me on one of my morning walks, as my eyes adored yet another gorgeous Sonoran summer sunrise. We frequently consider such moments to reflect the glory of God. Yet what does this really mean?
I’ve shared a lot of sunrises and other stunning sky photos on social media over the years. The colors grab our attention. The fleeting beauty stops us in our tracks—or has us fumbling for our phones as we attempt to somehow capture and keep such ephemeral splendor.
Yet the clouds themselves don’t have anything to do with this—in a sense. They simply show up, moving in stately or swift fashion across the sky. Clouds have no glory of their own. They simply, profoundly, mirror the rays of the rising sun.
Clouds certainly have no power over the process. Prevailing winds dictate the pace and positioning of their passage. Atmospheric conditions cause them to shrink or swell, collect or expel their precious water. Reflecting any glory of God is a secondary charge, not inherent to their creation and calling.
And what about us? We aren’t as powerless as the clouds—in a sense. We navigate our days and lives as best we can. Yet sometimes we also are swept along in fires and floods that are not of our own making. When such storms arise, perhaps the best that we can do is float on the wings of the wind.
As we are swept along the paths of our lives, we swell or shrink, rise and fall. Sometimes, we even find ourselves in just the right spot, at just the right moment, to reflect the glory of God. We don’t think of this as our primary creation and calling (though some would argue that it is), but we are nevertheless invited to do so when the conditions are right.
Perhaps we shine a kind word or a gentle smile upon an overworked cashier. Maybe we take a moment to bring fresh-baked bread to a neighbor recovering from surgery. On occasion, we might find ourselves sitting with a friend or fellow parishioner who needs a few minutes or a few prayers.
Through the storms of life, we can simply and profoundly mirror God’s glory. Like with the clouds, this isn’t because we inherently shine like the sun—though our every atom is a divine inheritance. Instead, we can reflect God’s glory toward the lives of those around us.
When have you recently mirrored such glory? How might you be more aware of and grateful for moments when you get to reflect the glory of God?
Inspiring, Shirin. Thanks. I am in Ireland and there are so many shimmering views. I look out the window of our VRBO in a small town Losiburgh where I can see Craogh Patrick, a small mountain that is a much walked pilgrimage here. All looks neat and tidy out the window. Yet individuals and families are off balance and hurting. And the light shines and it is both neat and tidy and messy!
I’m glad that my post inspired you and got you thinking, Tom! Many blessings and glory on your time there, and may you also find ways to support those who are off-balance and hurting, there and at home…it is a complex and messy world.
Peace,
Shirin
I had a synchronous moment a few days ago which was a very clear tap on the shoulder from Spirit. I was grousing to myself about someone with whom I talk on the phone frequently, who tends to make me feel irritated with her complaining about anything and everything. I literally asked for guidance as to how I should deal with her daily interruptions when I’m doing something more “important”. Not long after that, she left another message. When I returned the call, she said, “I just want to tell you how glad I am that you were born.” Wow! Thank you, God! My life is not all about me, after all. We never know how much joy we can bring to others just by listening to them.
Oh, Aston, thank you for sharing this valuable lesson with the rest of us. I’m helping my mom sort through another layer of belongings right now, and it’s so true that we don’t always realize how helpful we are by just being present through such processes…whether the “stuff” is in our heads or our homes….
Peace,
Shirin